&#34;Mann&#34; plum tree

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of Japanese plum tree ( Prunus salicina ) characterized by its large trunk and limbs, its resistance to disease and by its regular and abundant production of uniformly large and attractive fruit which is mature for harvesting beginning approximately mid-June and which has a distinctive flavor and an excellent storage life.

BACKGROUND OF THE VARIETY

[0001] The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety ofplum tree, (Prunus salicina), which will hereinafter be denominatedvarietally as the “Mann” plum tree, and more particularly to a plum treewhich produces, in abundance, a very large, uniform and attractivefruit. The fruit has a distinct flavor and is mature for commercialharvesting approximately mid-June under the ecological conditionsprevalent to the north-central portion of the State of Alabama.

ORIGIN AND ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION OF THE NEW VARIETY

[0002] The present variety of the “Mann” plum tree was discovered by theinventor, Bobby W. Mann, in 1988. The new variety was discovered as achance seedling within the cultivated area of Mr. Mann's orchard inBlount County near Warrior, Ala. The new variety was successfullyasexually reproduced by Mr. Mann in 1998 by budding the new variety ontothe rootstock of a Halford peach seedling. The resulting asexuallyreproduced trees have been observed by the inventor since that time andit has been confirmed that the distinctive characteristics of theoriginal parent tree of the new variety are, in all respects, expressedin the asexually reproduced trees.

SUMMARY OF THE NEW VARIETY

[0003] A new and distinct variety of plum tree named the “Mann” plumtree is described. The variety is characterized by its large trunk andlimbs, compact growth habit and by the regular production of large,firm, attractive fruit. The fruit produced by this new variety is verylarge, is fully rounded in shape, has bright yellow-green skincoloration, and possesses an excellent flavor. The large size of thefruit and relative small pit size produces an abundance of edible, goodflavored, flesh. It has been determined that the new variety fruit canbe harvested beginning approximately mid-June and has an excellentstorage life. The asexually reproduced plum tree of the presentinvention is hearty and will produce a heavy crop of fruit that is easyto harvest. It has also been determined that the blossoms of the varietyare frost resistant as compared to other varieties of Japanese plum.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS

[0004] Other distinctive characteristics of the new variety areexemplified in the accompanying color photographs wherein:

[0005]FIG. 1 shows an adult parent tree.

[0006]FIG. 2 shows an adult parent tree with adult inflorescence.

[0007]FIG. 3 shows an adult parent tree bearing fruit.

[0008]FIG. 4 is a close up of a branch with adult leaves and bearingmature fruit of the new variety.

[0009]FIG. 5 shows a mature fruit sectioned and laid open with the stoneand stem left in place in one section and the stone removed to exposethe pit cavity in the other section.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW VARIETY

[0010] The following is a detailed botanical description of “Mann” plumtree, its flowers, foliage and fruit based on observations of specimensgrown in Blount County near Warrior, Ala. at the orchard of origin. Allmajor color-code designations are by reference to the Pantone Book ofColor published in 1990 by Harry N. Abrams, Inc., N.Y. Common colornames are also occasionally employed.

TREE

[0011] Generally:

[0012]Size.—Large and in the upper range for a Japanese plum.

[0013]Vigor.—Very vigorous and in the upper range for a Japanese plum.

[0014]Chilling requirements.—400 to 750 hours.

[0015]Figure.—Bushy tree to height of eleven feet and ten feet wide.

[0016]Productivity.—Very productive; large size plum, typically formedin clusters on numerous spurs. Average of 455 pounds per tree in year2000.

[0017]Regularity of bearing.—Regular, good annual crop.

TRUNK

[0018]Size.—Large and in the upper range for a Japanese plum.

[0019]Surface.—Smooth to medium rough.

[0020]Color.—Sand (Pantone 15-1225).

BRANCHES

[0021]Size.—Medium diameters as scaffold branches are in the mediumrange for a Japanese plum.

[0022]Surface texture.—Mature branches appear slightly rough andimmature branches appear smooth.

[0023]Lenticels.—Medium number and in the middle range for a Japaneseplum.

[0024]Color.—Inca Gold (Pantone 17-1048).

LEAVES

[0025]Size.—Large. 107.95 mm length, 44.45 mm wide.

[0026]Form/Shape.—Ovate with acuminate tip.

[0027]Margin.—Very finely serrated.

[0028]Surface.—Upper, reticulate; lower, medium veined.

[0029]Thickness.—Medium and in the middle range for a Japanese plum.

[0030]Texture.—Glabrous.

[0031]Petiole.—Medium size, medium length, medium thickness.

[0032]Glands.—No glands found on stem.

[0033]Color.—Upper, Cactus (Pantone 18-0130); lower, Jade Green (Pantone16-0228).

FLOWER BUDS

[0034]Size.—Medium.

[0035]Length.—Medium.

[0036]Form.—Plump-free.

[0037]Surface texture.—Glabrous.

[0038]Color.—Lily Green (Pantone 13-0317).

FLOWERS

[0039]Blossom/Bloom period.—About 12 to 14 days. Ranging generally fromMar. 12 to Mar. 26 at Blount County, Alabama.

[0040]Size.—Medium.

[0041]Pollen.—Semi self-fertile.

[0042]Color.—White.

[0043]Pistils.—One.

[0044]Aroma.—No characteristic fragrance noted.

FRUIT

[0045] Generally:

[0046]Maturity.—Fruit matures from the 3^(rd) week of June toapproximately July 10 at Blount County, Alabama.

[0047]Size.—Medium to large. Average diameter axially 50.5 mm; averagediameter transversely in suture plane 49.5 mm.

[0048]Weight.—2.5 to 3 ounces each (78 to 93 grams).

[0049]Form.—Very good uniformity; shape nearly globose, slightlyflattened at stem end.

[0050]Suture.—Generally very shallow; inconspicuous line extends frombase to the apex and is slightly deeper at cavity.

[0051]Base.—Nearly round, slightly flat.

[0052]Apex.—Slightly rounded.

[0053]Cavity.—Rounded, appx. 5 mm depth.

[0054]Stem.—Average length appx. 13 mm.

[0055]Ventral surface.—Generally smooth, rounded.

[0056] Flesh:

[0057]Texture.—Smooth, juicy and crisp at harvest time.

[0058]Fibers.—Very small and tender.

[0059]Flavor or eating quality.—Flavor — good. Eating quality — good.

[0060]Juice.—Slight to moderate.

[0061]Aroma.—Slight.

[0062]Color.—Cadmium Yellow (Pantone 15-1054).

[0063]Ripening.—Even ripening throughout fruit.

[0064] Skin:

[0065]Thickness.—Medium and in the middle range for a Japanese plum.

[0066]Texture.—Medium and in the middle range for a Japanese plum.

[0067]Bloom (wax).—Moderate and easily rubbed leaving shiny surface.

[0068]Tendency to crack.—None observed.

[0069]Taste.—Tart.

[0070]Color.—Amber Yellow (Pantone 13-0942).

[0071] Stone:

[0072]Type.—Cling stone.

[0073]Size.— Length appx. 19 mm; thickness appx. 9.5 mm.

[0074]Form.—Oval.

[0075]Base.—Flat.

[0076]Apex.—Very slight point.

[0077]Sides.—Generally equal.

[0078]Surface.—Relatively smooth and slightly uneven.

[0079]Ridges.—None.

[0080]Tendency to split.—Not evident.

[0081]Color.—Orange Ochre (Pantone 16-1253).

USE

[0082] Fresh fruit market.

MARKET

[0083] Local and long distance.

KEEPING AND SHIPPING QUALITY

[0084] Good to excellent. Fruit remained firm after 14 days out of coolstorage.

RESISTANCE TO DISEASE

[0085] Resistance to canker as compared to other varieties of Japaneseplum has been noted. No disease observed to date.

[0086] Although the new variety of plum tree described herein possessesthe described characteristics noted above as a result of the ecologicalconditions prevailing in Blount County near Warrior, Ala., it is to beunderstood that these characteristics may vary slightly due tovariations in climate, soil conditions, irrigation, fertilization,pruning, pest control, and the like.

What is claimed is:
 1. A new and distinct variety of plum treesubstantially as illustrated and described, characterized by its largetrunk and limbs, compact growth habit and being a regular and productivebearer of uniformly large, firm, attractive clingstone fruit with goodflavor and an abundance of edible flesh; the fruit is furthercharacterized by its resistance to disease and by being mature forcommercial harvesting and shipment approximately the third week of Juneunder the ecological conditions prevalent to the north-central portionof the State of Alabama.